People will probably lose their unemployment benefits in states that "reopen"

[stopbush]

So, if Texas decrees they’re reopening retail stores on a given date, what happens to employees who are afraid to go back to work and are currently on unemployment? I imagine the state will rescind their benefits, the “logic” being retail is reopened, your employer has reopened, your employer has told you to come back to work, you now have a job so go back to work. If you don’t, you are turning down work, and in most states, that disqualifies you from receiving UI benefits.

In short, roll the dice with the stakes being your life.

This gives the Rs their tRumpian talking points while reducing the number of people on the unemployment rolls, reducing the expenses of paying UI benefits and making it appear that things are returning to normal.

And when a new wave of virus cases in these states is the result? They'll find someone else to blame.

[fescuerescue]

1. Generally if one goes back to work

then they are no longer eligible for Unemployment benefits.

So I think you are probably right.

[sop]

2. Good point.

Additionally, I suspect if an employer reopens, and the employee balks at returning to work for fear of infection, they can be fired.

[Thomas Hurt]

3. If the employer calls them back is going to a big if I think.

I think many people are going to be looking for new jobs even if the employer said they could come back at the time of the closing.

If you are called back, it will be time to quit or start wearing a mask and gloves to work.

Just like people didn't have any real options at closing...same thing now.

[stopbush]

7. Er, not the best time to be looking for a job when millions of workers

are on the unemployment rolls.

[Phoenix61]

4. I think that's the whole point. It just one more

way to screw workers. They will enforce the number of job applications you have to put in. People that can’t go out to get their application forms signed will lose their unemployment benefits. It’s how they can enforce “die for the economy.”

[DBoon]

5. Aren't you required to be seeking employment while on UI?

and if you are offered a job and turn it down, you UI can be terminated?

[jmg257]

6. Yep. Unless under furlough, you are supposed to be actively looking for work.

[stopbush]

8. Yes. That's what I said above.